Sierra Nevada Resort & Spa

This charming ski lodge was built in 1967 by former Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss, and it quickly became a favorite hangout of Hollywood stars, from Jerry Lewis and the “Rat Pack” to John Wayne. In fact, Duke’s lobby bar was named in honor of Wayne’s nickname. There's rustic and vintage accents, including movie posters of its past clientele, old photos of stars, and even a 1905 piano once owned by Clark Gable. Rough-hewn wood framing, antler chandeliers, and distressed leather furniture give the cozy lobby casual warmth. A huge, four-side fireplace is a centerpiece, and there's a billiards table plus lots of comfortable seating, all of which invite guests to linger. The atmosphere is friendly and upbeat, and the resort attracts a diverse mix of guests, from vacationing families to serious skiers. 

The resort is located about a five-minute drive from the Village Gondola that takes skiers up to Canyon Lodge and the ski areas. It’s a quieter area than the heart of the bustling Village, but several restaurants and shops are still a short walk away, including a Whole Foods and a pharmacy. It's about a 14-minute drive to Mammoth-Yosemite Airport, and Yosemite National Park is roughly 90 minutes by car 

One of the most attractive features of this resort is the variety of well-equipped accommodations it offers, from guest rooms and suites in the main lodge to three-bedroom chalets, although not all units have air-conditioning. Decor is contemporary and homey, with rustic furniture, crimson or brown carpet, white comforters, olive accent walls, and natural pine trim. Vintage posters of the resort's heyday complete the look. All units contain desks, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, safes, magnifying mirrors, and Wi-Fi (covered by the resort fee). Bathrooms are attractive, with slate floors, rough-hewn wood vanities with basin sinks, and walk-in showers framed by beige marble.  The spacious studio-style Fireplace Suites have the same pine framing and color palette, and they add kitchenettes and matching leather armchairs in front of stone fireplaces. Bathrooms also are larger, with double sinks and separate soaking tubs and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. The bi-level Chalets can sleep up to 10 people and have three full bathrooms and larger kitchens that feature full-size fridges, dishwashers, and ranges. Views are of the surrounding mountains, some of which are quite lovely. 

This charming resort places great emphasis on eating and drinking, with three stand-alone restaurants and Duke’s lobby bar. Rafters serves modern American classics for breakfast (fee), lunch, and dinner, with live music on weekends. Red Lantern is an upscale Chinese restaurant that offers a takeout menu. It serves dinner, but it's closed at times during shoulder season, as is Jimmy’s Taverna, which features traditional Greek fare as well as wood-grilled steaks and seafood. Nancy’s Gift Shop also sells snacks and wine, along with souvenirs. It’s open 24/7 and it has an ATM. The seasonal outdoor pool is small, but the whirlpool can hold up to 24 people and it’s open year-round. For wellness, the resort’s full-service spa opened in 2013 with four treatment rooms, a steam room, and a sauna. The 24-hour fitness center has ample space, but there are only three pieces of equipment. Skiers will appreciate the convenience of on-site equipment fitting and rental. Other amenities include event space, a business center, guest laundry, and concierge services. The Kids' Club has supervised activities and a playground. Free transportation to the Mammoth-Yosemite Airport is provided, and trams that take skiers to the lifts stop outside the resort. Parking and Wi-Fi throughout are covered by the daily resort fee, which is steep. The hotel is pet-friendly (with a surcharge). Guests with limited mobility should be aware that there's no elevator to access second-floor rooms.